Wilderness First Responder
A deep dive into wilderness medicine for the outdoor professional and serious backcountry recreationalist
Wilderness First Responder Courses
Traditional WFR
Eight Days in Person
The classic, full-length Wilderness First Responder course. In this WFR course, you will combine classroom time with practical skills. Dive deep into wilderness medicine and then practice the hands-on techniques used in a backcountry medical emergency.
This course is best for those who want to learn in person and have the time to commit to a full eight days to obtain the WFR certification. This course is compliant with the WMEC standards, offering 80 in-person contact hours.
Hybrid WFR
Online Learning + Five Days in Person
The Hybrid Wilderness First Responder course builds your foundation of the curriculum through online modules before meeting in person to work on practical skills.
This course is best for those with a limited schedule who still need a WFR certification. This course is compliant with the WMEC standards, offering 50 in-person contact hours and 30-35 hours of online learning.
“Took my WFR with Pete, the class was extremely informative and Pete is very personable and made everyone in the class feel comfortable and welcomed. I look forward to taking more courses and recerts with Creeks to Peaks!”
WFR Curriculum
Topics covered include, but are not limited to:
• Patient Assessment Scene Size-up, Primary Survey, Secondary Survey
• CPR/BLS
• Bleeding and Shock
• Wound and Burn Management (bandaging)
• Fractures & Dislocations, Improvised Splinting
• Chest Injuries
• Abdominal Injuries
• Head and Spine Injuries, Spinal Immobilization
• Near Drowning
• Lightning
• Heat-Related Illness
• Hypothermia & Cold-Related Illness/Injury (Frostbite, etc.)
• Genitourinary Emergencies
• Psychology in the Wilderness
• Neurologic Emergencies
• Diving Medicine (Intro)
• Altitude Illness
• Avalanche Medicine
• Law and the Wilderness
• Poisoning Emergencies
• Evacuation Guidelines
Multiple practice workshops and scenarios are also included in the curriculum. These hands-on workshops are often done while on small hikes as a class to get more realistic practice. Most of our practice scenarios are based on real-life incidents that our instructors have managed as professional rescuers or encountered in their own backcountry adventures.